Whey protein is a must-have supplement for fitness enthusiasts who want to boost the nutritional value of their diet to support their workout demands. Whey protein powders offer numerous health benefits and are extremely easy to consume.
With the growing popularity of muscle and weight training among gymgoers, there has been a surge in interest in consuming whey protein, which has created a unique conflict.
Can whey protein cause acne? There are various points of view on the effects of whey protein on the skin, and we sought to end the debate all at once. Here’s detailed information about the connection between whey protein and acne along with tips on how to treat it.
What’s the Connection Between Whey Protein and Acne?
Although there isn’t enough evidence to prove that protein supplements like whey protein cause acne, there is undeniable proof that milk and milk products can result in acneiform eruptions. Confused? We’ve got you covered!
Milk and milk-derived products are thought to alleviate acne by releasing bioactive substances like insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which encourages skin cells to expand excessively, elevates sebum production, and transmits androgen hormones that result in acneiform eruptions.
In a nutshell, this hormone (IGF-1) provokes excessive sebum production, which results in acne breakouts. Furthermore, whey protein can impair your body’s ability to process blood sugar, resulting in skin inflammation. This also causes your oil glands to produce more sebum, which clogs your pores and promotes acne growth.
Should I Cut Out Dairy-products to Prevent Acne?
Whey protein can be found in milk, but is eliminating all dairy products the best way to avoid acne? Most likely not.
Regardless of what the research says, we all react differently to food. The only way to know for sure if dairy or whey protein is causing your acne to worsen is to stop consuming it and examine what occurs.
Start by avoiding all dairy products, and if your skin begins to glow, you’ve found your answer. However, you can experiment by gradually reintroducing certain types of dairy, such as yogurt and cheese, into your diet to see if it changes anything or if whey is the major contributor.
Furthermore, according to research, the link between dairy and acne appears to be primarily due to whey protein and milk. Other types of dairy with lower whey content may not be the cause of your clogged pores.
Other Factors That Also Trigger Acne Breakouts:
Yess. There’s more to it than just whey protein powder. If you’re dealing with breakouts and cutting whey isn’t working, look at the following additional factors.
Foods with a high glycemic index (GI): Acne is also linked to high GI foods like sugary treats and white flour, which ramp up your blood sugar. A review of food and acne published in 2021 discovered that the strongest evidence linking what we eat to breakouts is linked to a high GI diet.
Hormones: Acne can be brought on by changes in hormone levels, such as those that take place during puberty or pregnancy. Acne is also a symptom of certain hormone-related medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
Stress: Stress can make the signs of acne worse. While stress does not straight cause acne, it can influence hormones through the stress response, which can alleviate acne.
Cosmetics: Some skincare and cosmetic products can cause acne outbreaks by clogging your pores.
Tips to Deal with Acne
1. Avoid dairy-based protein powder
Whey protein is a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders, but it’s not recommended for acne-prone skin. Whey protein contains lactose, which may cause digestive problems for people who have trouble digesting milk sugar. Dairy products also contain hormones that can trigger breakouts.
2. Use a moisturizer
Moisturizing lotions help keep oil production down, which helps prevent acne breakouts. Try using a noncomedogenic moisturizer (one that won’t clog pores) instead of a traditional face wash.
5. Stay away from harsh cleansers
Harsh cleansers strip the skin of natural oils, which can dry out your skin and make acne worse. Instead, use gentle cleansers that remove makeup without irritating your skin.
6. Keep your diet clean
Eating foods high in fiber keeps your system clean and prevents toxins from building up in your bloodstream. In addition to whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, seeds, and legumes.
7. Drink plenty of water
Drinking enough water keeps your skin moist and flushes out toxins. Get in the habit of drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Bottom Line:
Can whey protein lead to acne? While research has demonstrated that there is a connection between whey protein and acne, more research is needed to provide conclusive evidence. For example, excessive whey protein consumption has been linked to acne, whereas moderate consumption is still unknown in terms of its impact on the health of your skin.
If you get breakouts from whey protein, try a different type of protein powder instead. There are numerous options to go with instead of whey protein powder, including soy protein powder, egg protein powder, pea protein powder, and brown rice protein powder. Not satisfied yet? make sure to check out the best organic protein powders list!